Women and girls: help available if you're concerned

We know how challenging the last few weeks have been for many residents, and how unsafe these local and national issues can make women and girls feel. Here at Waltham Forest, we prioritise our work to make women and girls feel as safe as possible and want to make sure as many residents as possible are aware of the support available. 

Cllr Naheed Asghar, Lead Member for Inclusive Economy, which includes Violence Against Women and Girls shared: 

‘I was deeply concerned about the potential threat of a protest in our borough and the impact on the safety of our community, including women and girls who were worried about being targeted. It is unacceptable that anyone should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood. 

I want to reassure residents that during this period, the council worked closely with the Metropolitan police to monitor the situation and take precautionary steps to safeguard our community. This included measures such as extra police patrols and working with our community organisations to reach out to mosques and places of worship to provide reassurance. Additionally, the VAWG team liaised with Community Safety colleagues and the police to ensure local specialist services and safe spaces for women and girls were safeguarded. 

It is important to acknowledge the incredible strength and unity shown by our community during this challenging time and I’d like to take this time to thank residents who have been supporting each other.’ 

If you feel you are worried about your safety at the moment, or are experiencing violence in your life there is support available: 

Free VAWG drop in sessions run at the following locations and times:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am to 4pm at Leyton Family Hub, 215 Queens Road, Leyton, E17 8PJ

Thursday at 10am to 4pm at Leytonstone Family Hub, 2 to 8 Cathall Rd, London E11 4LF and Walthamstow Family Hub, 313 Billet Road, E17 5PX

Friday at 10am to 1pm at Chingford Family Hub 5 Oaks Grove, Chingford, E4 6EY

You do not need to pre-book and can just turn up. 

Download the VAWG app to report on-street harassment: 

We have an app where you can report on-street harassment as it happens and get specialist support too. It's a direct route to the 24/7 Stop Hate UK helpline. 

Partner services provided in Waltham Forest 

• Ashiana Network Phone: 020 8539 0427: Supporting South Asian, Middle Eastern and Turkish women experiencing any forms of VAWG, including harmful practices such as: Forced marriage; Honourbased violence, and; Female genital mutilation
• NIA – East London Rape Crisis Phone: 0800 160 1036: Support service for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, including specialist support for women and girls who are minorities
• Solace Women’s Aid Phone: 07340 683382: Support for people affected by domestic abuse
• Kiran Support Services Phone: 0208 558 1986: Specialist Support for Asian women and children experiencing domestic abuse
• Rise Phone: 07495 099694: Behaviour change programme for people using abusive and violent behaviours

If you're feeling worried - don't go it alone. We're here to help. You can also keep yourself informed with up to date crime and safety info by signing up to our e-newsletter.